It’s no secret that dental implants are one of the greatest inventions in the history of dentistry. Never before have patients been able to restore their smiles in a way that mimics their natural tooth structure. In fact, dental implants on the role of the tooth root so patients experience more benefits than with other restorative options.
Why is the tooth root important? Well, it is responsible for keeping the jawbone from deteriorating. When a person is missing one or several teeth, the jawbone has fewer tooth roots to keep it stimulated and strong so it begins to weaken and patients are more likely to experience further tooth loss and atrophy, making them look years older than they actually are.
Additionally, dental implants are strong, extremely long-lasting, and natural-looking. When patients hear of this tooth-replacement option, the choice becomes clear. The next step in their journey towards an improved smile is to find a great implant dentist.
Why It Matters
Dental implant surgery has a success rate of 95-98 percent. This is largely because the dentists who place them are highly trained and experienced.
Though many dentists will offer dental implant surgery, they aren’t always the best choice for patients. It’s important for those seeking an implant dentist to do thorough research before deciding.
To find a great implant dentist near you, look for these five qualities:
1. Experience and training
It’s true that all dentists are required to complete the same courses and training while they are in college. What really sets some dentists apart from others is the continuing education classes they take afterward. Some dentists choose to focus more on certain aspects of dentistry like cosmetic dentistry, TMJ treatments, sleep apnea treatments, or dental implants.
Patients who are seeking dental implant surgery should find a dentist who has completed several years of training in oral implantology. This information can usually be found on the “About the Dentist” page of a dentist’s website.
For example, Dr. Karl Jobst has gained Fellowship from the International College of Oral Implantology and he has completed a one-year program at the University of Oklahoma College of Dental Medicine in Implantology. His experience and training ensure his patients receive excellent care.
2. Good communication skills
To find out how a dentist communicates, you’ll most likely need to visit their office for an initial consultation. A dentist who communicates well with his patients is one who cares about their opinion, feelings, and overall experience.
Patients who choose dental implants are signing up for a long process. You’ll want a dentist who thoroughly explains what will happen before, during, and after the procedure.
For some people, visiting the dentist is overwhelming, so a dentist who talks them through every step of the process will be a source of comfort.
3. Before-and-after photos
Most people wouldn’t allow a contractor to remodel their bathroom without seeing some of the contractor’s previous work. So why not apply the same rule for dentists who are performing surgery on your mouth?
Some dentists will post their portfolio online and others have a book at their office. Either way, it’s important to have an idea of the dentist’s quality of work. This way, you’ll know what to expect when the implant process is complete.
To view Dr. Jobst’s previous dental implant work, visit our Smile Gallery.
4. Patient testimonials
You also probably wouldn’t hire a contractor without reading some reviews or asking for references. Again, the same rule applies to dentists.
Thanks to Google and Facebook, it’s easier than ever to determine a dentist’s reputation straight from the mouths of their patients. There’s no better way to know if a dentist is good at what they do, kind, and trustworthy.
Search for testimonials from patients who have undergone a dental implant procedure to get an idea of the patients’ level of satisfaction.
Check out this review from one of Dr. Jobst’s dental implant patients:
“I have been coming to Dr. Jobst since 2001 and he is the best dentist I have ever had experience with. So good, in fact, that even after moving to Texas three years ago, I still will make the 9-hour drive back to Grove just to keep him as my dentist. Sure, it would be easier to use a dentist where I am currently living, but I know it wouldn't compare to Dr. Jobst and his team. Trust me, I have tried! He truly cares about his patients and I know I am in great hands with him. He has done extensive dental work on me including braces, implants, extractions, root canals, etc. In case you were wondering, my mouth has been challenging to say the least. However, my smile shines! Try Grand Lake Dental-you will not be disappointed!!” --LeeAnn U.
5. Priority of patient comfort
While patient comfort has a lot to do with the relationship with their implant dentist, other factors like the office environment, having private operatories, and amenities are important too. However, for many patients, all those things combined aren’t enough.
Dental fear and anxiety are real. Unfortunately, many people allow these feelings to get in the way of their oral health. Implant dentists are especially conscious about this because any type of surgery can raise stress or anxiety levels.
To help patients feel comfortable and relaxed during any dental visit, our implant dentist offers local anesthesia and these three types of sedation dentistry:
Oral sedation
For patients with lower levels of fear or anxiety, oral sedation is a great option. The implant dentist will prescribe a pill that the patient must take 30 minutes prior to their procedure.
Though the patient will remain awake throughout the procedure, he or she will feel completely relaxed and care-free. It takes a significant amount of time for the medication to wear off, so patients should have a friend or family member drive them to and from the procedure.
Nitrous oxide
A more common type of dental sedation is nitrous oxide, often called laughing gas. This type of sedation is administered by breathing in the gas through a mask until the patient reaches a dream-like state.
After the procedure, the dentist will rid the patient’s system of the nitrous oxide by administering oxygen. The patient can drive himself or herself home, though we prefer that dental implant patients have someone else drive.
IV Sedation
Intravenous sedation helps patients with high levels of anxiety and fear. Before receiving this type of sedation, patients must avoid eating and drinking for eight hours. During the dental implant procedure, the patient will be in a light sleep state. IV sedation also has an amnesia effect, so patients likely won’t remember the procedure at all. This option also requires that patients have someone drive them home.
Contact Our Implant Dentist
Questions about your dentist shouldn’t add to your anxiety and fear. When you choose an experienced, skilled, and caring dentist like Dr. Jobst, you’ll be amazed at how much more confident you’ll feel.
If you live in the Grove, OK area, call our office today at (918) 787-5800 to schedule an initial consultation.